PhD position in Computational Biology

We are looking for a PhD candidate to join the Computing Disease Evolution in Cancer (CODEc) group, led by Dr Eszter Lakatos, within the Division of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Mathematical Sciences. In this position, you will combine mathematical modelling and bioinformatics to uncover the key factors behind cancer development.

Information about the department and division
The department of Mathematical Sciences has about 200 employees and is the largest department of mathematics in Sweden. The department has three scientific divisions: Algebra and Geometry, Analysis and Probability Theory, and Applied Mathematics and Statistics and conducts successful research in pure and applied mathematics and mathematical statistics in a wide range of research areas. We have an international environment with frequent exchanges with other universities around the world. The department provides a friendly, creative, and supportive atmosphere with a steady flow of international guests. We strive to offer an environment where you can combine world-leading research and teaching with a good work-life balance. 

At the division of Applied Mathematics and Statistics we conduct research within the theory and implementation of biomathematics, biostatistics, spatial modeling, differential equations, Bayesian inference, large-scale computational methods, bioinformatics, data science, machine learning, optimisation, numerical methods.

About the research
In the CODEc group, we conduct interdisciplinary research into cancer genomics and evolution. We develop novel mathematical and bioinformatic methods to uncover the key factors behind cancer/disease evolution from next generation sequencing data. In particular, we focus on how interactions with the immune system and therapies influence the development of cancers. We  want to create methods that provide insight on cancer evolution from already existing and sub-optimal sequencing data, so that improved personalised clinical decisions can be made at no additional cost. You can find out more about the research here: https://elakatos.github.io/

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your doctoral studies, which consists of educational, research and teaching responsibilities. You will be enrolled in a graduate program at the Department of Mathematical Sciences or Life Sciences (dependent on background), and expected to take courses equivalent to 60 higher education credits. You are also expected to develop your own ideas gradually throughout the PhD and communicate scientific results orally as well as in written form. In addition, the position will normally include 20% teaching or similar departmental duties.

Qualifications
A successful candidate must have strong quantitive and coding skills. You must have obtained a master's degree in applied mathematics, bioengineering, bioinformatics or in a related topic, or expect to complete such a degree by September 1, 2024.  You should have good presentation and communication skills in oral and written English.

Previous experience (courses or project work) in one or several of the following areas may be meritorious: bioinformatics, mathematical modelling, genomics, systems biology.

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20230760 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-2 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. Note that we cannot consider applications sent by email.

Application deadline: 2024-02-19



For questions, please contact:
Irina Pettersson,
irinap@chalmers.se

Eszter Lakatos,
eszter.lakatos@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!